My Submission to Council regarding Moore Point currently on public exhibition
I’ve spent some time reviewing the documents now publically available and on exhibition regarding Moore Point. I am actually really impressed with the level of detail both Council and the Developer have undertaken in considering this ambitious development, and also reflected on our recent interview with Independant Campaigner Michael Andjelkovic, and today made my submission to the Acting CEO of Liverpool Council and you can view my submission here.
For those not acquanted with Moore Point please take the time to review my previous posts and the overview of the project and its challenges below.
In what could be Australia’s largest privately-led urban renewal project, a controversial plan has been proposed to transform Moore Point into a mixed-use precinct that would reshape Liverpool’s relationship with the Georges River. However, the proposal has raised significant concerns from community stakeholders about its implementation and potential risks.
The Vision
Located directly east of Liverpool CBD across the Georges River, the 31.4-hectare Moore Point site aims to deliver approximately 11,000 new dwellings and create over 23,500 jobs over a 30-40 year period. The project includes:
- 34.5% public open space
- Two pedestrian bridges connecting to Liverpool CBD
- A new 1,000-student primary school
- Community and cultural facilities
- Heritage building adaptive reuse
- Extensive riverbank restoration
Key Concerns
However, several critical issues have been identified that require careful consideration:
Infrastructure and Staging
Concerns have been raised about the delayed delivery of critical infrastructure in later stages, drawing parallels with problematic developments like Ripley Valley in Queensland, where residents were left without promised amenities for over a decade.
Flood Risk Management
The proposal’s flood evacuation strategy relies heavily on pedestrian bridges that potentially won’t be constructed until later stages. I have submitted that both bridges should be completed before any residential occupation to ensure resident safety, particularly given that 40% of housing is scheduled for completion in the first stage. Recently the Gateway determination has asked that one bridge be contructed as part of Stage 1.
It seems that the warning system and monitoring of the river does not seem to have much redundancy and it should be strongly considered to increase levels monitoring.
Contamination Issues
The site’s industrial history, particularly the former cable works, presents significant contamination challenges including VOCs, asbestos, and potentially harmful PCBs. Lessons from the Rhodes Peninsula redevelopment suggest thorough testing and remediation planning is essential before rezoning approval.
Affordable Housing
The current proposal to “investigate” 2% affordable housing provision falls short of contemporary standards, with critics calling for a minimum 5% commitment, particularly given the site’s proximity to Liverpool Hospital and potential to house healthcare workers. Im stunned to learn that these numbers are not committed but rather reflect that further investigations need to be completed prior to making a committment to affordable housing. I find this completely unacceptable.
Traffic Impact
Questions remain about the adequacy of traffic planning, particularly regarding New Bridge Road upgrades, which are not scheduled for the initial construction stage despite existing congestion issues along Newbridge road specifically in peak times in the exact area whereby access is required for these residents to get to work who travel by car.
Recommended Safeguards
Community stakeholders are calling for several key measures:
- Binding infrastructure commitments tied to dwelling completion numbers
- Completion of both pedestrian bridges before any residential occupation
- Comprehensive contamination testing prior to rezoning
- Increased affordable housing requirements and solid agreement to deliver in a balanced supply in accordance with stages
- Stage-gate approval process to ensure accountability
Looking Forward
While the Moore Point development presents an exciting opportunity for Liverpool’s growth, lessons from similar developments like Barangaroo and Docklands demonstrate the importance of proper safeguards and careful planning. The success of this ambitious project will likely depend on finding the right balance between development goals and community protections.
Radio Interview with Michael Andjelkovic
In a recent interview conducted with Independant Campaigner and Commentator Mr Michael Andjelkovic who has experience as a Property Developer and Real Estate Agent over 20 years. “Edmonson Park is likely a much better option to deliver housing for residents of Liverpool” said Michael Andjelkovic. If you would like to hear the interview with Michael then please follow this link
As the proposal moves through the approval process, continued dialogue between developers, council, and community stakeholders will be crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring positive outcomes for Liverpool’s future.
If you would like to review the documents and make a submission then please view all the documents here and make your comments using the link on this page.
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